Not since 2008 has the Absa Cape Epic visited the Paardenberg. 2023 brings exploration to the area, racing trails which have been painstakingly built over the last decade. Exploring the growing network of trails around Paardenberg and Stanford requires a trek across the flatlands along the shores of the Klein Rivier Lagoon. This 15 kilometre burst, and the return leg, account for 26% of the stage distance but only add single digits to the accumulated elevation gain. That means the vast majority of the 116 kilometre stage’s 1 850 metres of climbing comes in a brutal 86 kilometre middle section. Thrills, like the Ultimate Southern Pass and Missing Link Trail, plus the singletracks along the banks of the Waboomsrivier are countered with climbs into the Akkadisberg and Paardenberg ranges. With opportunities for attacking racing combined with a relentless route, Stage 2 is sure to be one of the most captivating days of the 2023 race.